Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded its GlobalAccess Sequencing Program to include laboratories working in oncology. Originally introduced to accelerate multi-institutional-led studies focused on SARS-CoV-2, the expanded program now provides support to labs facing significant constraints as a result of the global pandemic by offering faster access to comprehensive, single-day molecular profiling of tumor tissue on Thermo Fisher's Ion Torrent Genexus System.

Under the GlobalAccess Sequencing Program, Thermo Fisher will subsidize a limited number of Genexus Systems* for a short time to serve its customers during the global pandemic. The program, which is open to pathology laboratories that currently run or wish to begin sequencing samples with oncology assays, is available immediately and will continue through the end of this year.

The Genexus System was launched in November 2019 with the Oncomine Precision Assay*, which most recently received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. FDA to identify low-grade glioma (LGG) patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) mutations who may be eligible for vorasidenib (AG-881). The next-generation sequencing (NGS) solution features an automated specimen-to-report workflow that delivers results in a single day.

The system is designed to minimize user intervention and is conducive for maintaining social distancing requirements in a decentralized lab setting. It requires minimal amounts of tissue sample and can run small batches cost-effectively. Together, these features will enable hospitals to adopt NGS testing in-house and sets the stage for molecular pathologists to eventually analyze NGS information in parallel with first-line testing modalities, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC).

In May, Thermo Fisher announced the SARS-CoV-2 GlobalAccess program to accelerate efforts focused on mapping coronavirus transmission and epidemiological studies by research consortia and industry groups.